Hazel Dickens dies

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Hazel Dickens on Friday, April 22nd from complications of pneumonia.



Hazel was noted for her strongly feminist song lyrics. She was part of various bluegrass and folk-music groups such as The Strange Creek Singers and Hazel & Alice.

Hazel's songs were featured in the Oscar-winning 1976 documentary Harlan County U.S.A., and she appeared in the 1987 coal-mining movie Matewan.

In 1994, she became the first woman to receive the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Award of Merit. In 2008, she was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. Her autobiography, Working Girl Blues, was published by the University of Illinois Press later that same year.

The Charlie Daniels Band Releases "Let 'Em Win or Bring 'Em Home"

(Nashville, Tenn. - April 21, 2011) Legendary artist and proud American Charlie Daniels has released a special patriotic track through Hopesong Digital/GMV Nashville called "Let 'Em Win or Bring 'Em Home."



A new orginal cut written by Daniels and recorded by The Charlie Daniels Band, "Let 'Em Win or Bring 'Em Home" is available this week at www.GMVNashville.com and all major online digital outlets, including iTunes, Amazon.com and Rhapsody.com. The song was first released exclusively at www.CharlieDaniels.com on Friday, April 15, 2011

New album for The Judds released today

The mother/daughter country music duo, The Judds, have released a new album, "I Will Stand By You: The Essential Collection". The new compilation features twelve classics as well as two brand new songs: "I Will Stand By You" and "Back Home", which features Alison Krauss. The two new songs mark the first time the duo have recorded together since 2004 when Naomi joined Wynonna for the single, "Flies On The Butter", which is also featured on this album.

Along with the two new tracks, this collection features fan favorites such as "Mama He’s Crazy", "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days)", "Turn It Loose" and the song that has become the duo's anthem, "Love Can Build A Bridge."